Ethereum ETFs Surge to $16.5B in AUM on First Anniversary, Signaling Strong Investor Confidence

US spot Ethereum ETFs have celebrated their first anniversary with remarkable success, accumulating $16.5 billion in assets under management (AUM) and $8.7 billion in net inflows since their launch in 2024 following SEC approval. The nine leading ETFs, including those from industry giants like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale, have demonstrated robust and sustained investor interest. A recent multi-week inflow surge contributed an additional $3.9 billion, highlighting the market's resilience despite Ethereum's price volatility. This milestone underscores the growing institutional and retail confidence in Ethereum as a cornerstone of the digital asset ecosystem. The consistent demand for these ETFs reflects broader Optimism about Ethereum's long-term value proposition, including its upcoming network upgrades and expanding use cases in decentralized finance (DeFi) and beyond. As of July 2025, the performance of these ETFs continues to validate Ethereum's position as a leading cryptocurrency, with analysts projecting further growth as regulatory clarity improves and adoption accelerates.

Spot Ethereum ETFs Mark First Anniversary with $16.5B in Assets Under Management

US spot ethereum ETFs have crossed their one-year milestone, amassing $8.7 billion in net inflows and overseeing $16.5 billion in assets. Launched post-SEC approval in 2024, the nine leading ETFs—including offerings from BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale—have demonstrated sustained investor demand. A recent multi-week inflow surge added $3.9 billion, underscoring market resilience amid Ethereum's price fluctuations.

ETH trades above $3,600, reflecting a 12-month appreciation. The sector's growth signals institutional confidence in crypto-based financial products, even as regulatory landscapes evolve.

No, Ethereum Price Is Not Overheated Yet, Key Levels To Watch

Market analyst Crypto Dan has dismissed bearish sentiments surrounding Ethereum (ETH), asserting that the cryptocurrency is not overheated despite recent price surges. Higher ETH prices could signal the beginning of an altcoin season, with some analysts predicting a potential rally to $8,000 in the current cycle.

CryptoQuant data reveals that Ethereum's funding rates remain below overheated levels seen in March and November 2024, suggesting room for further upside. While a short-term correction is possible, any pullback is expected to be shallow and brief.

Ethereum's sluggish movement during its rally indicates it was previously undervalued, setting the stage for another bullish leg in the second half of the year. The market's structure points to sustained momentum rather than exhaustion.

MIT-Educated Brothers Face $25M Crypto Fraud Charges Over MEV Bot Exploit

Anton and James Peraire-Bueno, two brothers with MIT backgrounds, stand accused of orchestrating a $25 million cryptocurrency theft by exploiting Ethereum's MEV bot mechanics. Their motion to dismiss wire fraud charges was denied by U.S. District Judge Jessica Clarke, who cited insufficient legal arguments and factual disclosures.

The defendants allegedly manipulated Ethereum validators to intercept victim transactions, later claiming their actions were technically permissible under blockchain code. The court rejected this defense, emphasizing the scheme's deliberate deception. "The system's code doesn't immunize fraud," the ruling implied, drawing a line between innovation and exploitation.

Ethereum's MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) ecosystem remains a battleground for such exploits, with this case setting a precedent for prosecuting blockchain-based fraud. The brothers still face conspiracy charges, though the stolen property count was dismissed on technical grounds.

Ethereum Gears Up for Fusaka Upgrade in November as Glamsterdam Planning Advances

Ethereum's next major protocol upgrade, Fusaka, is on track for an early November launch, targeting scalability and network resilience enhancements. The upgrade will introduce 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), focusing on security, gas optimization, and performance. Core developers, including Tim Beiko, confirm the devnet launch this week, with public testnets scheduled for September and October.

Meanwhile, planning for the subsequent Glamsterdam hard fork is already underway, with proposals to reduce block times to 6 seconds—a MOVE expected to boost DeFi and DApp efficiency. Nearly 50% of validators support raising the gas limit to 45 million, according to Vitalik Buterin.

Ethereum Eyes Breakout Above $3,680 as Analysts Target $4,270

Ether trades at $3,595, marking a 7.29% weekly gain despite a 3.58% daily dip. Trading volume stands at $39.13 billion, reflecting muted activity. The Relative Strength Index has breached a downward trendline, signaling potential upward momentum.

Analyst BigMike identifies $3,680 as critical resistance, with a breakout potentially triggering Wave 5 of Wave 3. His near-term target ranges between $4,270 and $4,300. The $3,870 level looms as a historical supply zone, where Marzell crypto anticipates either rejection or consolidation before continuation.

Fibonacci retracement at $2,797 remains a contingency support level should profit-taking emerge. Market structure suggests Ethereum's path hinges on converting the yellow EMA into support—a failure here could invalidate the bullish thesis.

GameSquare Acquires Rare Cowboy Ape CryptoPunk in Strategic NFT Move

GameSquare Holdings, Inc. has made its first direct NFT investment by acquiring the iconic "Cowboy Ape" CryptoPunk #5577 from DeFi pioneer Robert Leshner for $5.15 million in preferred stock. The transaction underscores the company's push into blockchain-native treasury strategies targeting 6-10% annualized stablecoin returns.

The deal increases GameSquare's Ethereum holdings to approximately $52 million, following a recent $10 million purchase. CEO Justin Kenna described the acquisition as a milestone in the company's differentiated approach to digital asset management.

Leshner, founder of Compound and CEO of Superstate, becomes a strategic investor through the stock conversion option at $1.50 per share. The move signals growing institutional interest in blue-chip NFTs as alternative treasury assets.